Casing head equipment



Jaun.` 2, i934. L. M. c. sEAMARK v1,942,361

cAsING HEAD EQUIPMENT Filed sept. 20, 1950 4 sheets-sheet 1 Figi.

Inventor Attorney.

Jan. 2, 1934. L. M. c. SEAMAR'K 1,942,366-

CAS ING HEAD `EQUIPMENT Attorney.

Jan. 2, 1934. L.. M. c SEAMARK CASING HEAD EQUIPMENT Filed sept. 20',195o 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig.2.

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' Filed sept.' 2o, 1930 Patented Jan. 2, 1934 UNITED STATES kPATE:

NT ori-lcs i cAsING HEAD EQUIPMENT Lewis Mervyn Cecil Seamark, St.Just', England Application September 20, 1930, Serial No. 483,290

and in Great Britain March 29, 1930 44 claims.

This invention relates to casing head equipment for bore holes.

The invention has among its objects to provide simple and effectivemeans by which casing or tools of varying size or form used in sinkingbore holes may be passed into and be withdrawn from the bore hole, andthe tools rotated, without escape of oil or gas, and by which boring maybe continued before and after high pressures have been encountered andwithout loss at the surface of oil or gas under the', pressuresprevailing.

According to the invention the casing head equipment for bore holes orwells comprises a casing, a massive elastic sleeve within the casingthrough which the connected lengths of the4 and gas tight joints aremaintained under varying conditions of operation.

According to the invention, moreover, the sleeve is reinforced toprevent excessive deformation on its internal contraction; the housing,or casing of the sleeve also is adapted to permit of rotation; therotatable housing or casing of the sleeve is adapted also to permit of aslight gyratory movement during the rotation of the boring tool and therotatable housing or casing is mounted or suspended betweenanti-friction bearings adapted to resist upward and downward stresses.

The invention also comprises the features here-- inafter described. pThe invention is diagrammatically illustra by way of example in theaccompanying drawings in which l Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of arotary blow-out Ypreventer constructed according to the invention; l

. Figures 1a and 1b are respectively elevation and plan of a suitablereinforcement that may be provided for the elastic sleeve employed;

Figure 1c is an enlarged sectional view showing thevmanner in which ajoint is made at the upper and lower ends of the rotating casing;

Figure ld is a sectional elevation of a rotary blow-out preventersimilar to that illustrated in (Cl. 16S-14) Figure 1, in which thefastening ring is moulded in the elastic sleeve;

Figure le is a detail view of the fastening illustrated in Figure 1d; lt

Figure 2 is a so-calledi sleeve packer con-v structed according to theinvention, and

Figure 3 is a sectional elevation of a modication of rotary blow-outpreventer constructed according to the invention.

Incarrying the invention into effect according to the constructionillustrated in Fig-ure 1, an outer cylindrical casing a is providedwhich is secured to the well head flange a1 by means of a l bayonetflange r in known manner, and upon the casing a a cover g is appliedhaving a cylindrical part g1 adapted to be mounted upon the ex-1ternally screw-threaded upper part of the casing. The elastic sleeve dis mounted between end rings e1, e4 having oppositely disposed annularcavities within which the respective ends of the sleeve are held.

The end ring e1 (Figure 1) is made integral with the lower end of thetrunnion tube e. The

flange thus formed engages beneath a massive shoulder u1 at the upperend of 'the rotating casing u. A number of pins e5 are providedon theupper face of the end ring e1, parallel with the axis of the tube e indetermined position coincident with corresponding holes in the shoulderu1. tube e withV the rotating casing u, by which axial displacement ofthe end ring e1 and trunnion tube e is permitted in relation to thecasing u. The casing u encloses the sleeve d and has transverselydisposed holes u2 through which a fluid pressure medium may find accessto the external surface of the sleeve d. Thus pressure may be ap pliedto cause the contraction of the sleeve d to maintain a fluid tight jointbetween the sleeve and the boring tool or the like. The end ring e4extends within the lower screw-threaded end of the casing u and servesfirmly to hold the lower end of the sleeve d; and similar means areprovided to secure the upper end of the sleeve d within the end ring e1.

The end ring e4 (Figure 1) has cavity on its under face for the upperreduced screw-threaded part of a bottom ring e6, the lower part of whichextends completelyacross the end ring and is screw-threaded in position,and thus forms a contact face by which a horizontal joint is providedbetween the lower end of the casing u and the base part a2 of thecasing.

Thecasing u (Figure 1) has at its upper end an annular y, and by whichthe upward thrust is taken wheny pressures are encountered in theoperation of boring. Ball bearings k1, k2 are provided'above and beneaththe flange n3, which permit the v casing u a slight eccentric orgyratory movement during the rotation of the boring tool. For

A fibre jointing ring g of a V or other similarA sectional shape isfitted beneath the second ring g4' and between the upper outerperipheral bevelled edge of the casing a and the cover g.Y

The casing u has a gland ring 11,4 screw-threaded within an annularcavity of the casing u and the ange of the gland ring comes to lie overthe ring y* and serves as a horizontal jointing face. An annular cavityg is formed on the under face o f the cover g for the packing g".

The top part of the cover g extends short of the trunnion tube e toaccommodate the slightly gyratory movement referred to and to permit ofaccess to a packing ring u5 of conical cross-section .80v

between the ring u# and the tube, and a screwthreaded retaining ring u6is applied upon the packing ring u.

The base part a2 of the casing a (Figure 1) is provided with an annularcavity a3 for the reception of packing g". .Surrounding this cavity s a3on theface of the base part a2, another cavity is provided forthereception of a jointing ring a4, the top face of which extendsslightly above the normal face of the base part a2.

An annular space v (Figure 1) is provided between the casing `u and thecasing a, by which I the slight gyratory movement of the casing u isaccommodated and means are provided for; the admission of a fluidpressure medium such as that derived from the well or such as water froma hydraulic accumulator, under regulation,

`so that thus the required pressure may be applied within the annularspace v upon the sleeve d, so that it may be contracted to maintain aneffective liquid and gas tight joint between the sleeve d and the partsof the boring tool or the like held in or passing through the sleeve.The packing/,9'1 consists of 'rings or'turns of packing of aJ kindcommonly employed for hydraulic work; they are applied upon an annularindiarubber sheet g8 whose edges are retained in position by metal ringsg9. Channels or passages a5 and 91 through the outer parts of the casingand the cover g respectively are provided for conveying the uid pressuremedium to the inner faces of the packing in order tov make a tightjoint. An upwardly extending ange g11 on the casing y is screw-threadedexternally and a cap i is screw-threaded thereon. A ring i1 isscrew-threaded on the trunnion tube e, and this ring has packing ringsi2 and i3 on its upper and lower faces respectively and one of thepacking rings is adapted to contact with the under*- side of the capwhile the other packing ring is adapted to contact with the top face ofthe cover g depending upon the position of the ring i1. The ring i1 hasa spring arm i4 which is adapted to be engaged in one of a number ofvertical grooves on the tube e whereby the ring may be retained in tubee. l

A drive bush tting e11 (Figure 1)` is mounted upon the tube e, having ahole cl2 for the reception of 4the Kelly or grief stem of the samesection; and the lower part of the tting eul and the upper part of thetrunniontube e are provided with interengaging parts. The fitting e11 isheld in position by means such as a number of spring arms e13 thatengage a ring-e14 threaded upon the -upper end of the tube e.

To fasten the ends of the elastic sleeve d (Fig- -ure l) Within the endrings e1, e4, a fastening ring erl of tubular form isemployed forinsertion within an annular recess in -each of the end rings, theannular recesses opening into the annular cavities in the end ringsconcentric therewith. The cross-section of the rings e7 is reduced nearthe outer end, and is enlarged at the outer ends where they have facesinclined inwards towards the reduced part of the'crosssection. Anannular cavity generallycorresponding in cross-section to that of thefastening ring is provided at the ends ofthe sleeve d, the depth ofwhich is substantially less than that of the respective fastening rings,so that thus on the latter being inserted into the cavities in thesleeve, the outer ends of the rings protrude beyond the sleeve. A numberof screw-threaded' pins e8 disposed equidistant are inserted ini the endrings 105 el; e4, so' that their stems `pass into the respective annularrecesses in the end rings, and engage within screw-threaded holes in thefastening rings set therein, recesses e9 being provided on the outerface of the end rings for the accommodation of the heads of the pins es.On the rotation of the pins eB the ring e7 is drawn into the annularrecess in the corresponding end ring, andthe outer enlargedirim of thefastening ring is thus caused to mo'ye towards'the-end ring, and thusthe inclined faces of the enlarged rim cause pressure to be applied uponthe substance of the sleeve d in positions between the enlarged rim andthe circumferential'edges el, whereby the ends of the sleeve d are veryse- 120 curely held. The pins e8 are set apart intermediate of the pinse5.

With a view to prevent excessive inward movement of the sleeve d underthe pressure externally applied the sleeve may be reinforced. The 125reinforcement mayas in Figures 1, la and 1b consist of two or more ringssuch as w w of wire, formed of twisted strands. Two coincident rings w wmay be set near the respective ends of the sleeve d, so as to lie inposition onthe inner side 130 of the annular cavities provided at theends of the sleeve d for the rings e". The rings w w' are connectedtogether by wire w1 formed of twistedvstrands, and arranged zig-zag,thev wire any adjusted position on the w1 being disposed obliquely, andthe whole hav- 135 ing externally applied near the ends of the fralmethus formed, a covering of wire netting w2 to extend inwards to a smallextent to form a cylindricalv band of netting at the respective ends.Thus a reinforcement is provided which when 14n used in the moulding ofthe elastic sleeve d from indiarubber, oiers a resistance to abnormaldeformation of the sleeve under the stresses imposed externally upon itin the use of the equipment.

The fastening ring e'I may as shown in Figures 1d and le, be moulded inthe sleeve, being formed with a number such as six, .parallel integralbolts e15 by which the ends of the sleeve d are secured within thecavities in the end 15C rings e1, e4, the bolts having screw-threadedends which in' the case of the end ring e1 exvtend through the ring intorecesses e9 for the reception of nuts e8.- In the case of the end ringe4 which, in the assembly of the parts requires to be rotated relativelyto the casing u for the engagement therewith of its screw-thread, thebolts e15 are caused to engage in corresponding holes e in a slip ringe1s adaptedto be seated in a corresponding annular recess formed in theupper face of the end ring. The depth ot the slip ring is such thati thebolts e15 do not project completely through it, and the holes e areenlarged in diameter in the lower face of the slip ring for thereception of suitable socket nuts e, which when the end ring ehas beenadjusted in position are passed from the under side throughcorresponding holes e19 to engage the bolts elf. The holes e19 areformed withv a shoulder upon which the part of the nuts em of largerdiameter may seat and thus on the rotation of the nuts the bolts e15 aredrawn Iirrnly to seat the sleeve d in the end ring. The latter may beprovided with the same number of holes e" as there are boltse15 or witha multiple of such number so that the possible adjusted positions of theend ring are increased in number.

This means of engagement of the bolts e15 with the end ring may also b eapplied to the upper end ring e1.

The reinforcement w (Figure 1d) may consist of strands of wire passedover the retaining rings e" and suitably secured to the rings as forexample by welding or otherwise. The construction illustrated in Figure1d may be otherwise the same as that illustrated in Figure l.A

The downward movement of the trunnion tube e (Figures 1 and ld) may beproduced by causing the weight of the tools to be taken upon thetrunnion tube. By such means the sleeve d will be compressed and thusthe application of fluid pressure around the sleeve d may be dispensedwith as in the construction of a packer as in Figure 2 when rotation ofthe sleeve is not required.

The stationary casing a (Figure 2) may be supported upon a base fittingaa secured to the well head flange. The base fitting may have itscylindrical upper part externally screw-threaded for insertion withinthe lower end of the casing a,

an internal screw-thread being provided at the lower end of the casing afor the purpose. The elastic sleeve d is secured at its respective endswithin end rings e1 and e4, one of which e4 may be formed integral withthe base tting a6, while the end ring e1 flts within the casing a andhas an external annular recess 615 adapted for the packing :r1 on whicha gland ring :r may be applied. Pressure may be applied axially upon thegland ring by means of a screw-threaded ring x2. The sleeve d may becontracted as in the construction hereinbefore described to make a tightjoint with the sections of boring tool or other parts on the externalapplication of hydraulic or other iluid pressure, under regulation; Athefluid pressure medium being passed through the inlet c1 into the Vjacketc in the casing, passing through holes c2 around the elastic sleeve; orthe sleeve may be contracted by allowing the weight of the casing ortools to be passed through it to act on the gland ring In carrying theinvention into effect as illustrated in Figure 3 the elastic sleeve d ismounted at each-end within tubular trunnion ttings e e, whereby anintegral unit e d e may be mounted within the casing a to bev rotatabletherein on anti-friction bearings k. The trunnion ttings e e areenlarged in diameter at' the parts e1 so that a shoulder is formedbetween which and the inner ends of the rings g and h, the bearings lcare interposed, and annular cavities e2 provided for thereception of theends of the elastic sleeve d. For the purpose anchoring bolts l areadapted 'at their screw-threaded ends to be engaged by nuts l1 withinobliquely disposed cavities e3. The bolts l are embedded in thesubstance of the sleeve d and provided with enlarged parts or heads Z3and so disposed at an angle for example of 30 to the vertical, that theypass through the respective cavities e2 and through the parts ofthesleeve therein.

The supporting rings g h (Figure 3) serve as stuing box housings for theparts e e. The ring g is provided with an annular space for the glandpacking m, and a gland ring i which encloses the louter end of the ringg. The outer iiange of An internal screw-thread is formed upon the ypart g1 to engage an external screw-thread at the upper end of thecasing a; the internal screwthread is however discontinued short of theend thereof, and near the end an external screwthread is provided forengagement with an external jointing ring having at its lower end aninwardly extending flange :il between which and the end of the part g1,packing :i2 is provided. The ring h extends into the lower part of the'casing, and is formed with an extension provided with bayonetprojections h2 adapted to engage in corresponding parts of thesurrounding base fitting 1 which is secured to the Well head iitting b.An external jointing ring n is engaged between a conical end face of thecasing a and a conical face formed upon a shoulder of the ring hat theenlarged lower part extending beneath the casing.

Similar means to those immediately hereinbebe provided between the lowersupporting ringh and the lower tubular trunnion tting e, as illustratedin Figure 3, that. is to say an elastic sleeve o' of indiarubber may besubjected to fluid pressure by which its inner face may be pressed intocontact with a part of the lowerxtrunnion fitting e in such mannerAhowever as to permit rotation. One or more passages h1 parallel with itsaxis may be provided in the ring h, to extend from the upper. face ofthe ring to a position beside a narrow annular cavity formed on theinner face of the ring, in which the sleeve o may be mounted.Surrounding this cavity a perforated cylindrical ring p may be mountedwithin the ring h, and behind this, a narrow cavity may be formed withwhich the' passage or passages hl communicate, and by which the pressureprevailing between the casing a and the main sleeve d may be transmitfedto the sleeve o. The sleeve o has a substantially dovetail verticalcross-section, and is heldby means of bearing or retaining rings (I. q1secured in position upon the supporting ringV h. The lower ring q1 maybe held in position by means of an externally screw-threaded ring q2applied within the lower end of the supporting .ring h; a retaining nut(a4-may be applied in an sleeves d and o under such conditions that the4rotationof the unit e d ek (Figure 3) is substan- V tially freelypermitted; or again a pin or other inlet valve s may be provided bywhich the pressure fluid may be cut off from access to the sleeve o.Such a valve s may be mounted so as to be conveniently operable by ahandle or spanner. Furthermore relief valves such as t may be provided.-Thatfor the pressure fluid supplied 'for the elastic sleeve o may beprovided as a ball valve.

I'he manner of operation is similar in the respective constructionsofFigures 1, 1d and 3 and any fluid pressure medium such as liquid, air orsteam may be employed, or a hydraulic accumulator may be employed loadedby weights or by pressure ,in the bore hole or elsewhere to exertpressure upon the fluid medium employed. In operation of the equipmentof Figure 3 the fluid pressure medium is admitted at a determinedpressure through the inlet piping c1, jacket c and holes c2 into theannular space f to compress-the sleeved, and the pressure medium isconfined by vthe packed joints, adjustments being made for ensuringtight joints as for example between the supporting rings g and h and thetrunnion ttlngs e.

Boring tools and other parts ol.' circular'cylindrical or other form orof varying diameter, are adapted to pass through an elastic sleeve d(Figures l, 1d, 2 and 3) in the casing without leakage of .oil or gasunder the pressure that may at the time prevail in the bore hole. Shouldit be reprovide thea-reinforcement land to connect the einforcement tothe respective end rings. Thus so any other packing on the horizontaljointing faces provided in the construction illustrated in Figures 1 andldmiay be employed by which gas 80 and liquid tight joints may beprovided, and by which the gyratory movement of the rotating parts maybe accommodated. The elastic sleeve is provided massive, and whenprovided to rotate as for example in constructions such as illustrated lin Figuresl, 1d and 3, the sleeve is provided relatively long.

I claimz- 1. A casing head equipment, comprising a stationary' casing, amassive elastic sleeve within 90 the* casing, annular elements havingannular cavities respectively provided therein, adapted for thereception of the respective ends of the said sleeve and not beingadapted for relative rotation, one of said annular elements beingaxially movable and the other being axially immovable, means forsecuring the respective ends of the said f sleeve within the saidannularcavities, comprising `fastening-rings concentrically held within therespective ends of the sleeve, and means by whichthe said fasteningrings may be, respectively drawn towards the respective annular elementsto secure the ends of the said sleeve in the respective annular cavitiestherein.

2. A'casingl head equipment, comprising a sta- 105 tionary casing,connected parts within. the stationary casing adapted to rotate togethertherein to constitute a rotor, the rotor comprising a quired to leave inthe bore hole without further massive elastic sleeve through which thesections movement, part of Ithe drill stem or other part within thecasing or sleeve, and still maintain the pressure in the bore hole, thenby vertical movement of the upper trunnion tube or tting e (Figures 1,1d, 3) which can be eiected under the weight of the parts being passedthrough the sleeve, the latter` may be compressed axially, and thuspressure from the hydraulic accumulator may be dispensed with. Shouldthe weight be insuiiicient to compress the sleeve for example in theconstruction of Figure 3 for the purpose of forming a seal betweenitself and the casingand between itself and the parts being passedthrough the sleeve, the upper supporting ring g may be moved downwardsto .effect the seal; and the 'gland ring i at the upper end of the uppersupporting ring g, and the j'ointing ring i externally mounted upon it,may be adjusted to effect permanent seals against vleakage from betweenthe sleeve and the casing or bore hole, and the upper protruding end ofthe upper 'tubular trunnion fitting e may .be provided with meansadapted for the operation by a spanner or other tool; and the gland ringi, the upper supporting ring g and the external jointing ring 7' mayalso be adapted for operation by similar means.

The invention is adapted for use without provision for rotation of theelastic sleeve d (Figure 3) inA which case the tubular end ttings e arenot necessarily provided as trunnions nor are -they adapted to rotate,but the uppermost supportingring may be supported for axial movement forthe axial compression of the elastic sleeve if and when required'.Furthermore the provision of the sleeve o (Figure 3) may be dir pensedwithand the lower trunnion tting e may be mounted Within the supportingring in a manner similar to the upper trunnion tting,

The reinforcement of the elastic sleeve may take any other form thanthosel specifically described. Itis however'in general preferred to andcouplings of the pass, means upon the said stationary casing forl thesuspension thereinof the rotor, the rotor being free for limitedgyratory movement, means for the application of pressure external to thesaid sleeve for causing `its internal contraction', 115 and packingbetween the rotor and the said sta.- tionary casing.

drilling tool or casing may 3. A casing head equipment comprising a sta-I tionary casing, connected parts Awithin the stationary casing adaptedto rotate together there'- 120 in to constitute a rotor, thel rotorcomprising a massive elastic sleeve'through which the sections andcouplings oi.' the drilling tool o r casing may pass, means upon thesaid stationary casing for the suspension of the rotor therein,comprising supporting surfaces respectively upon .I the stationarycasing and upon the rotor, the rotor havingV clearance within thestationary casing to permit of gyratory movement thereof, anti-frictionbearings disposed between the said surfaces byk which the rotor issupported against upward and downward stresses and is permitted rotaryand gyratory movements, means for the application of pressure externalto the sleeve for -causing itsv internal contraction, and packingbetween the rotor andthe stationary casing.

4. A casing head equipment comprising a mas- 5. A casing head equipmentcomprising a stationary casing, a rotating casing within thestationary`r casing, a massive elastic sleeve Within the rotatingcasingv and anti-friction bearings between which the rotating casing issuspended to resist upward and downward stresses, means on thestationary casing for the admission therein of a fluid pressure medium,and means on the rotating casing to render the fluid pressure mediumaccessible to the external surface of the sleeve.

6. A casing head equipment comprising a staftionary casing, a rotatingcasing within the stationary casing;A a massive elastic sleeve withinthe rotating casing, anti-friction bearings between which the rotatingcasing is suspended to resist upward and downward stresses, means on thestationary casing for the admission therein of a fluid pressure medium,means on the rotating casing to render the fluid pressure medium' ac,cessible to the external surface of the sleeve, a cap for the closure ofthe upper open end of the stationary casing, and. means to maintainfluid tight joints between the parts of the rotating casing and theparts of the stationarycasing and the cap.

'7'. A casing head equipment comprising a stationary casing, a massiveelastic sleve, a housing for the sleeve within the stationary casing,anti-friction bearings upon which the housing is supported to' resistupward and downward stresses, means upon the stationary casing by whicha iiuid pressure medium may be admitted therein, means to render thefluid pressure medium accessible to the external surface of the sleeve.and means to maintain fluid tight joints between the parts of thehousing and the parts of the stationary casing.

8. A casing head equipment comprising a sta, tionary casing, a rotatingcasing adapted to have a gyratory movement within the stationary casing,a massive elastic sleeve within the rotating casing, anti-frictionbearings upon which the rotating casing is vsupported to resist upwardand downward stresses, horizontal jointing faces at the upper and lowerends of the stationary and rotating casings, expandible packing betweenthe horizontal jointing faces and means by which a fluid pressure mediumis admitted Within the packing.

stationary casing and behind the expandible 9. A casing head equipmentcomprising a stationary casing, a rotating casing adapted to have agyratory movement within the stationary casing, a massive elastic sleevewithin the rotating casing, the sleeve having an internal reinforcementadapted to resist the excessive internal contraction of the sleeve onthe application of fluid pressure external to the sleeve, means by whichthe rotating casing is supported to resist upward and downward stresses,annular elements within which the ends of the sleeve are held within therotating casing, means upon the stationary casing by which a fluidpressure medium may be admitted therein, means to render theuid pressuremedium accessible to the externalsurface of the sleeve, and means tomaintain fluid tight joints between the parts of the rotating casing andthe parts of the stationary casing.

. 10. A casing head equipment comprising a sta-- tionarycasing, amassive elastic sleeve, ,a housing for the sleeve within the stationarycasing, anti-friction bearings upon which the housing is supported toresist upward andfdownward stresses, av gland ringapplied at the upperend of the housing, a cap for the openl end of the stationary casing,expandible packing between the top of the said gland ring and the capand between the lower end of the housing and the lower part of thestationary casing, means upon the stationary casing bywhich a uidpressure mediumL may be admitted therein, and means to render the fluidpres- Lsure medium accessible to the external surface of the sleeve.

11. A casing head equipment comprising a sta-l tionary casing, a massiveelastic sleeve, a housing for the said massive elastic sleeve within thelstationary casing, annular elements adapted for connection of therespective ends of the sleeve within the housing, one of said annularelements being axially movable while being not adapted Vfor relativerotation with respect to the other annular element, reinforcement forthe sleeve adapted to resistv excessive inward contraction thereof.fastening rings respectively at opposite ends of the sleeve to which therespective ends of the reinforcement are connected, means for securingthe respective ends of the sleeve and the respective fastening rings tothe respective annular elements, anti-friction bearings for supportingthe said housing, means upon the stationary casing by which a fluidpressure medium may be admitted therein, means to render the fluidpressure medium accessible to the external surface of the sleeve, andmeans to maintain fluid tight joints between the parts of the housingandthe parts of the stationary casing..

12. A casing head equipment comprising a stationary casing, a massiveelastic sleeve, a housing for the sleeve within the stationary casing,anti-friction bearings upon which the housing is supported to resistupward and downward stresses,

A a gland ring applied at the upper end of the Ihousing, a cap for theopen end of the stationary casing, expandible packing between the top ofthe said gland ring and the cap and between the lower end ofthe housingand the lower part of the stationary casing, means upon the stationarycasing bywhich a uid pressure medium may be admitted therein, means torender the fluid pressure medium .accessible to the external surface ofthe sleeve, and a jointing ring upon the lowei` part of thestationarycasing, the topface of 12()A a reinforcement Aembedded withinthe sleeve, the

internal contraction of` which is permitted at a position between itsends, means by which the respective ends of the reinforcement are heldin opposition4 to the uid pressure externally applied to the sleeve andmeans for the application of fluid pressure external to the sleeve.

14. A'y casing head equipmentcomprising a casing, a massive elasticinternal-jointing sleeve within the casing through which the connectedsections and couplings of the drilling tool or casing may pass undersubstantially pressure tight conditions, annular elements adapted for,the connection of the respective ends of the sleeve, means forresisting excessive internal contraction of the sleeve on theapplication of fluid pressure ex ternal to thel sleeve, comprising areinforcement embedded within the sleeve, the internal cntraction ofwhich reinforcement is permitted at a position between its ends, meansfor' securing the ends of the sleeve and of the reinforcement to theannular elements, and means for the appllcation of fluid pressureexternal to the sleeve.

15. 'A .casing head equipment comprising a massiveelasticinternal-jointing sleeve, a casing Within which the sleeve iscontained, means for mounting the upper end of the sleeve to be axiallymovable and the lower end to be axially immovable, said means omprisingfastening rings engaging the respective ends of the sleeve, and meansfor the applicationof uid pressure-external to the sleeve.

16.` A casing head equipment comprising a casing, a massive elasticsleeve within the casing, means by which the massive elastic sleeve ismounted with its respective ends held, the said ends being capable ofrelative axial movement under pressure external to the sleeve, and meansfor the application of pressure external io the sleeve.

' 17. A casing head equipmentcomprising a casing, a massive elasticsleeve within the casing,

annular elements in which the respective ends of the sleeve are mountedwithin, the casing, one of the annular elements being adapted to haveaxial movement withinthe casing under pressure externally applied to thesleeve, and means for 'the application of pressure external to thesleeve.

18. A casing head equipment comprising a casing, -a massive elasticsleeve within the casing,

a housing for the said sleeve within the casing adapted to permit ofrotation of the sleeve within the casing, and means by which the massiveelastic sleeve is mounted within the housing with its respective endsheld the upper end of the said sleeve being capable of relative axialmovement under pressure externally applied to the sleeve, and means ,forthe application of pressure external to the sleeve.

19. A casing head equipment comprising a casing, `a massive elasticsleeve, a housing for the said sleeve adapted to rotate within thecasing,

a cap applied to the upper' open end of the cas-v ing from which thehousing is suspended, means by which the massive elastic sleeve ismounted with its respective ends held within the housing, the upper endof the said sleeve being capable of relative axial movement underpressure applied external to the sleeveand means for the application ofpressure external to the' sleeve.

20. A casing head equipment comprising a casing, a 'massive elasticsleeve within the casing, means by which the sleeve is' mounted with itsrespective Vends held, the upper end of the said sleeve being capable ofrelativeaxialmovement under pressure external to the sleeve,

` means for resisting excessive internal contraction of the sleeve onthe application of pressure external to the sleeve, comprising areinforcement embedded within the sleeve, the internal contraction ofwhich reinforcement is permitted at a position between its ends, andmeans lfor the application` of fluid -pressure external-to the sleeve.l

21. Acasing -head equipment comprising-a casing, a massive elasticsleeve within the casing,

Iannular elements in which the respective ends of the sleeve are mountedwithin the casing, the

comprising a reinforcement 'embedded within the vpressure externallyapplied to the sleeve, and

sleeve, the internal contraction of which reinforcement is permitted ata "position between its ends, and means for the application of uidpressure external to the sleeve.

'. incapable of relative rotation with respect to the other, while theother is axially immovable.

23. A` casing head equipment comprising a massive elastic sleeve, astationary casing within which the sleeve is mounted, means for mountingthe sleeve within the stationary casing comprising a rotating casing andannular elements within the rotating casing, one of which is axiallymovable but is incapable of relative rotation with respect to the other,while the other annular `element is axially immovable.

24. A casing head equipment comprising a stationary casing, a massiveelastic sleeve, a housing for the sleeve adapted to rotate within thestationary casing, axially immovable antifriction bearings at each endof the housing upon which the housing is supported to resist upward anddownward stresses, means big-which the respective ends of the sleeveare-held, the upper end vof the sleeve. being capable of'relative axialmovement under pressure externally applied to the sleeve, and means forthe application of pressure external 4to the sleeve.`

25, A casing head equipment comprising a stationary casing, a'massiveelastic sleeve, means for mounting the sleeve to rotate within thestationary casing, axially immovable anti-friction bearings upon whichthe means for mounting the sleeve are supported to nesist upward anddownward stresses, means by which the respective ends of the sleeve areheld, the upper end of the sleeve being capable of relative axialmovementunder iis means for` the application of pressure external to thesleeve.

26. A Acasing head equipmenty comprising a packer, a rotor within whichthe said packer is mounted, a stationary casing for the reception of therotor, means to permit a free gyratory. movement of the rotor within thecasing, comprising a cavity within the stationary casing having adiameter substantially larger than the ex. ternal diameter of the rotor.to yield a free annular space within the cavity and surrounding thevrotor within Ywhich the rotor is rotatable eccentrically of the normalaxis or centre line of the casing head. 7

27. A casing head equipment comprising a packer, a rotor withinvwhichthe said packer is mounted, a stationary casing for the receptionof the rotor, means to permit a free gyratory movement of the rotorwithin` the stationary casing, comprising a cavity within the stationarycasing, the partsof which are of a larger diameter than thecorresponding peripheral parts lof the rotor to yieldcommunicatingspaces in the vrespective parts of the cavity and surrounding the'rvrotor within. which the peripneraifpts 4of the i rotor rotateeccentrically of the normal axis or centre line of the-casing head.

28. A'casing head equipment comprising a massive elastic sleeve, a,rotatable housing for the sleeve, and a stationary vcasing for thereception of the said housing, the saidv stationary casing 1 50 largerdiameter than the said housing, the said housing comprising an axiallymovable tubular member. whose upper end extends beyond the stationarycasing, and means at the upper end of the tubular member for bearing theweight of tubing depending in the well.

29. A casing head equipment comprising a packer, a rotor within whichthe said packer is mounted, a stationary casing for the reception of therotor, means to permit a free gyratcry movement of the rotor within thecasing, comprising a cavity within the stationary casing having adiameter substantially larger than the external diameter of the rotor toyield a free annular space within the cavity and surrounding the rotorwithin which the rotor is rotatable eccentrically f the normal axis orcentre line of the casing head, and means for mounting the rotor withinthe casing, comprising anti-friction bearings adapted to resist upwardand downward stresses.

30.V A casing head equipment comprising astationary casing, a massiveelastic sleeve, a housing for-the sleeve within the said casing andadapted to rotate therein, the said housing being mounted to permit offree gyratory movement of the housing within the stationary casing,bearing surfaces for the said housing, packers for the said bearingsurfaces, and means for the application of pressure externally to thesaid housing and massive elastic sleeve.

31. A casing head equipment comprising a casing, a massive elasticsleeve within the casing, means by which the massive elastic sleeve ismounted with its respective ends held and its upper end capable ofrelative axial movement under pressure external to the sleeve, and meansfor the application of pressure external to 'the sleeve.

32. A casing head equipment comprising a casing, a massive elasticsleeve within the casing, means by which the massive elastic sleeve ismounted with its respective ends held and its upper end capable of axialmovement.

33. A casing head equipment, comprising a stationary casing, a massiveelastic sleeve and a housing for the said sleeve within the said casingand adapted to rotate therein, said housing comprising a trunnion tubeadapted for relative axial movement against the resistance of thesleeve.

34. A casing head equipment, comprising a stationary casing, a massiveelastic sleeve and a housing for the said sleeve within the said casingand adapted to rotate therein, -said housing comprising trunnion tubes,the uppermost of which is adapted for axial movement with reference tothe sleeve, the other being immovable axially.

35. A casing head equipment, comprising a stationary casing,v a massiveelastic sleeve and a housing for the said sleeve within the said casingand adapted to rotate therein, said housing comprising trunnion tubes,the uppermost of which' is adapted for axial movement with reference to.

the sleeve, the other being immovable axially,

stresses.

36. A ,casing head equipment, comprising a stationary casing, a massiveelastic sleeve and a housing for the said sleeve within the said casing`and adapted to rotate therein, said housing comprising trimnion tubes,the uppermost of which is adapted for axial movement with reference tothe sleeve, the other being immovable axially, and

' means to render the trunnion tube incapable of relative rotation withrespect to the housing.

37. A casing head equipment, consisting of a casing, a massive elasticinternal jointing sleeve within the casing through which the connectedsections and couplings of the drilling tool or casing may pass undersubstantially pressure tight conditions, annular elements, for thereception of the respective ends of the sleeve, and means for resistingexcessive internal contraction of the Vsleeve on the applicationofpressure external to the sleeve, comprising a reinforcement embeddedWithin the sleeve and means for securing the ends of the saidreinforcement within the said annular elements, and means for theapplication of pressure external to the sleeve.

38. A casing head equipment, consisting of a casing, a massive elasticinternal jointing sleeve within the casing through which the connectedsections and couplings of the drilling tool or casing may pass undersubstantially pressure tight conditions, annular elements for thereception of the respective ends of the sleeve, means for resistingexcessive internal contraction-of the sleeve on the application ofpressure external to the sleeve, comprising reinforcement embeddedWithin the sleeve permitting the internal contraction of the sleeve at aposition between its ends under theresistance of the reinforcement andof the sleeve in compression, means for securing the ends of thereinforcement Within the annular elements, comprising fastening ringsembedded'in thel respective ends of the sleeve to which the ends of thereinforcement are respectively connected, and means for the applicationof pressure external to the sleeve.

39. A casing head equipment consisting of a casing, a massive elasticinternal jointing sleeve Within the casing through which the connectedsections and couplingsv of the drilling tool or casing may pass undersubstantially pressure tight conditions, annular elements for thereception of .the respective end sof the sleeve, means for resistinginternal contraction of the sleeve on Athe application of pressureexternal to the sleeve,

comprising reinforcement embedded within theA sleeve and held at itsrespective ends against the for securing the ends of the reinforcementWithin the respective annular elements comprising,

lll

.pressure externally applied to the sleeve, means fastening ringsembedded in the respective ends connecting the respective fasteningrings to the respective annular elements. m

40. Acasing head equipment, comprising a stationary casing, a rotorwithin the said casing, a packing device within the rotor and adapted tobe contracted under pressure externally applied, means for theapplication of pressure externally to the packing device, bearingsurfaces for the said rotor, packers for the said bearing surfaceswithin annular cavities in parts of the said stationary casing adjacentthe said bearings.

41. A casing head equipment, comprising a massive elastic internaljointing' sleeve through which the connected sections and couplings ofthe drilling tool or casing may passyunder substantially pressure tightconditions, a casing for the sleeve, an annular elementdisposed abovethe sleeve, the said annular element being adapted for axial movementdfor the compression of the said sleeve under the weight of theconnected sections and couplings of the drilling tool or casing. 42.'.Acasing heard. equipment, comprising a stationary casing, a rotor withinthe said casing. a packing device within the rotorv adapted to becontracted under axial pressure, an annular element disposed within thesaid rotor labove the said sleeve,y the said annular element beingadapted to have an axial movement ywith reference to the rotor;

43'. A casing head equipment, comprising a stationarycasing, a rotorwithin the casing, a packing device within the rotor and adapted to becontracted, means for the application of pressure external to thepacking device, bearing s urfaces for the said rotor, packers for thesaid bearing surfaces, means for supporting the rotor within thestationary casing, comprising anti.- friction bearings, the rotorcomprising a: tubular element disposed above the packing device adaptedon downward axial movement for the compression o! the packing device. j

44. A casing head equipment, comprising a packer, a rotor within .whichthe said packer is mounted, a stationary casing for the reception of therotor, means to permit of three gyratory movement of the rotor withinthe casing comprising a cavity within the casing having a. diametersubstantially. larger .than the external 'diameter of the rotor to yielda free annular space within the cavity and surrounding the rotor withinwhich the rotor is rotatable eccentrically of the normal axis or centrelinevo! the casing head and horizontal fluid-tight joints between therotor and the casing.

MERVYN cEcn. SEAMARK.

